Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-04-28
A BUSY LIFE ENDED.
Alexander Mitchell, the Milwaukee
Millionaire, Expires in a New
York Hotel.
Bronchial Troubles and Heart Disease
Cause His Death, Which Is
Rather Sudden.
[New York special. |

Now York special.
Alexander Mitchell, President OF the
Chicago, Milwaukee 4 st. Paul Railroad,
died at his rooms in the Hoffman House,
in this city, on Tuesday afternoon. He
had been been gradually losing strength
for two months, but the illness which re-
suited in his death began only q week ago.
Mr.. Mitchell some months ago deter
mined TO withdraw from active business
pursuits, and Dec. last, accompanied by
Rev. DIR. Kean, his old pastor, he started
from Milwaukee in his private car for
a trip 10 his winter home, in Florida,
whittier Mrs. Mitchell had gone some time
before. At his magnificent place, "Villa
Alexandria" Just at the head of the st.
Johns River, he devoted himself TO the
pleasures of winter resort, spending
much time out of doors and getting far
more exercise than he had ever had before.
Yet, although he seemed 10 be in the best
of spirits, he steadily lost flesh. He had
always been one of the most methodical of
men, and the change told on him.
Three weeks ago Mr.. Mitchell and DR..
Kean left Florida, reaching this city April
2, and going imme diately to the Hoffman
House. Two days later Mr.. Mitchell COM
planned of feeling unwell and developed
feverish symptoms, but he soon recovered
and was able to go down town, although
the feverish condition returned at intervals.
His son, John l.. Mitchell, had joined him
in the meantime, and with his son and a
party of friends Mr.. Mitchell
heard Patti sing at the Metro
politan Opera House last Wednes-
day night. Sitting in the front of the box
he was probably exposed to draft, for be-
fore the last act he complained of illness
and left the opera house. So weak was he
when his carriage reached the hotel that he
had to be assisted to his room. After that
he never left his bed. DIR. Edward Brad
ley, his physician, found that he was suffer-
ing from malarial trouble and bronchial
pneumonia, from which he failed to rally.
He sunk into state of coma Monday
evening and never recovered conscious
ness. Death resulted from asphyxia, caused
by bronchial pneumonia.
Alexander Mitchell was born Oct 49, 1877, in
the parish Of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
His father was farmer, and the carly days OF
the future financier were passed in the same
avocation. For two years he studied law ut
Aberdeen, and then went into bank at Peter
head and remained there until he came to
Milwaukee in May 1899, when. in company
with George smith, OF Chicago he organized the
Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Com
pany, an institution that was In reality q bank,
although not called one on account of the law
thon Ia force. The bills OF this company were
the only reliable paper currency the Ierrltory
had for many years, lyet despite the times
every dollar was redeemed when presented.
1t is as u manager and promoter OF railroads
that tho deceased was best known to the world
he having been for years at the head Of the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and st. Paul Company, cor
poration that controls more miles OF road than
any other in the world.
Politically Mr.. Mitchell was originally whig
then he joinel the Republicans in electing
Lincoln and prosecuting the war, afterward
joining with the Democrats In support of Presi.
dent johnson. Since then his party sent him
to Congress In 1870 and 1872, and would have
continued him there had he not declined further
dent supporters. In 1879 the Democrats want
ed him TO be a candidate for Governor but he
declined.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by a wife, a son,
John L., an adopted daughter Mrs. DR.. Mackie
of this city, and a sister and brother living IN
Aberde snshire, Scotland Mr.. Mitchells es
tate is variously estimated at from SIS, O,OOt
to S25, ,000, 900.